Toddler’s ear nearly severed after pit bull mauling

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) — A Fall River toddler has been hospitalized after she was mauled by a pit bull.

Sabrina Heggs says she was in the apartment when her friend’s 2-year-old pit bull put half of 18-month-old Lexy’s head into its mouth.

Heggs says the dog let go after holding the baby in its mouth for seven minutes. She repeatedly punched the dog in the face and another child kicked it. Her boyfriend also grabbed the dog from behind pulled on its groin.

The girl was taken to Hasbro’s Children Hospital in Rhode Island Tuesday. Heggs says the girl’s ear was almost completely severed and that her skull was visible.